Ava Brindell celebrates her historic senior year at St Eugene College

10/10/2025

​College Captain at St Eugene College, Burpengary Ava Brindell. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Eugene College, Burpengary (2025).

“Being a College Captain at St Eugene College, Burpengary has been a real honour for me” – 2025 Graduate Ava Brindell. 

St Eugene College, Year 12 Graduate Ava Brindell is more than just a high achiever, she is paving the way for her community and future generations. 

Not only has she made history as the College’s inaugural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander College Captain, but she was also selected to address her fellow peers at Archdiocese of Brisbane’s First Nations Graduation Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Stephen’s in August. 

“I feel proud to be selected as College Captain, the first Indigenous College Captain for my school,” she said. 

“This position has allowed me to advocate for First Nations culture and educate my peers about my heritage. 

“We need more First Nations people in leadership, and I hope to set a precedent for future First Nations students who aspire to lead.” 

In 2025, Ava expanded her legacy of leadership by championing and advocating a range of meaningful initiatives, including: Cultural Night, NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week, Harmony Week, Do it for Dolly, No Bullying Week, and celebrations for Mother’s and Father’s Day, each reflecting her deep commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and cultural pride. 

Ava said she now aspires to complete a double degree in business and psychology at Queensland University of Technology. 

“Ultimately, I see myself creating and supporting opportunities for First Nations communities,” she said. 

“No matter where life takes me, my goal is to inspire cultural pride and celebrate the richness of First Nations Culture.” 

In reflecting on her final year of schooling, Ava said she had been supported in every aspect of her education at St Eugene College, from Prep right through to Year 12. 

“I have been encouraged to share my culture at school and was also asked to assist in designing the first Indigenous artwork for our College basketball academy in 2020,” she said. 

“I have been able to advocate and participate in our school’s inaugural Cultural Night for our College community. 

“The event allowed my peers and me to share our heritage and educate our school about our diverse community, creating a more inclusive school culture.” 

For Ava, she said her education has allowed her to do “wondrous things and has shaped me into the person I am today.” 

St Eugene College Principal Louise Olley said Ava’s achievements were a testament to her “leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and pride in First Nations culture within our College community”. 

St Eugene College, Burpengary, is one of 146 Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) schools across South East Queensland, providing an education to believe in. Visit bceschools.com/findaschool for more information or to enrol. 


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